Barcelona hero Cruyff laments Neymar's pay structure

Barcelona club legend Johann Cruyff has caused something of a stir by suggesting that Brazilian forward Neymar is overpaid and is part of a problem at the Catalan club.

The Dutchman, regarded as Barca's best ever player, told El Mundo Deportivo: "Barcelona's problem is Neymar. He's a great player, let there be no doubt about that, but you cannot sign a 21 year-old and pay him more than players who have won it all. Nobody is God at the age of 21."

"Plus Barcelona already have the greatest player in the world (Lionel Messi) and a 21 year-old kid cannot be the key figure. This is impossible in football. At the age of 26, yes, but not at 21."

Cruyff comments, although deemed harsh, are undoubtedly with foundation, but will not help a team that have just hauled their way back into contention to win La Liga by beating great rivals Real Madrid 4-3 at the weekend. Neymar, now 22, has netted seven times in 21 league appearances this season.